RNS Morning Report: Melvin Talbert, first United Methodist bishop to officiate same-sex wedding, dead at 89

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Melvin Talbert, first United Methodist bishop to officiate same-sex wedding, dead at 89

(RNS) — Talbert was recognized for his work on racial justice, LGBTQ advocacy and ecumenical cooperation.

Pope Francis calls for AI ethics free from violence and discrimination

(RNS) — The World Day of Peace next Jan. 1 will be focused on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Peace.’

For some Black faith leaders, Ohio’s Issue 1 is bigger than abortion

CLEVELAND (RNS) — ‘I think our faith community is waking up to the fact that there are various attacks on our voting rights and our ability to let our voices be heard,’ said Lesley Jones, a Cincinnati-based pastor and organizer.

New AI app lets users ‘text with’ Jesus and other biblical figures

(RNS) — The app replicates an instant messaging platform, allowing users to chat with ChatGPT impersonations of biblical figures, including the apostles, the prophets, Ruth, Job, Lot and more.

RNS Opinion

Sinead O’Connor was a rock star and a Muslim. Why did obituaries miss this?

(RNS) — Obscuring O’Connor’s faith is a missed chance to fight Islamophobia.

Global warming is here and it is getting worse

(RNS) — We are like frogs in a pot of water being slowly cooked as the temperature rises. We don’t have the sense to get out of the pot, let alone turn off the heat.

ICYMI

Atheist and agnostic fired for not attending company prayers win $50K in suit

(RNS) — The two workers declined to participate in a daily prayer circle as the company owner read from Scripture.

Left behind by disaffiliations, Texas town’s United Methodists charter a new church

AMARILLO, Texas (RNS) — After all seven United Methodist churches in this city in the Texas Panhandle voted to leave the country’s second-largest Protestant denomination, an 83-year-old UMC minister became determined that the UMC wouldn't become extinct in Amarillo.

In Other News

  • Evangelical leader rips Trump, says supporters now ‘looking for another candidate’
  • Ireland says goodbye to Sinéad O’Connor
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